An environmental group called out all candidates and parties who participated in this year’s elections to fulfill their responsibilities in the environment as soon as possible.

On their Facebook post, Ecowaste Coalition encouraged election candidates to remove their posters, tarpaulins, and other campaign materials to lessen the trash volume and avoid further environmental consequences.

“Regardless of the outcome of your election bid, we appeal to all candidates and parties to take down your campaign materials without delay.” Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of Ecowaste Coalition said in a statement.

Image via Ecowaste Coalition | Facebook

“Kabit, sabit o dikit mo, tanggal mo,” she added.

Ecowaste Coalition suggests to utilize these collected items instead of just dumping them away.

“Upcycling, or the creative reuse of discards, is a practical way of saving resources from being burned or sent to the dumps and landfills for disposal,” Lucero added.

At an event organized by MMDA, Ecowaste Coalition displayed creative ideas to make the most out of these campaign materials.

The group also converted plastic posters into book and notebook covers.

From plastic tarpaulins, they were able to create different types of bags that can be used for shopping and other purposes. They have also reiterated that plastic PVC tarps should only be used for non-food and non-child application due to some risks.

Image via Ecowaste Coalition | Facebook

According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), they have collected a total of 168.84 tons of materials starting March 1 to May 14.

The National Capital Region had the most number of campaign wastes with Manila as the leading city with 30,000 pieces recorded. It was followed by Quezon City with 25,000 pieces, Parañaque with 13,000 pieces, Makati with 10,400 pieces, and Caloocan with 8,000 pieces of election-related materials.